Deputy-involved shooting in Compton leaves suspect in hospital

6/25/2012, 8:48 a.m.

COMPTON, Calif.--Sheriff's deputies shot and critically wounded a man who allegedly fired shots at a deputy and a security officer Sunday at a shopping center in Compton, officials said.

The deputy-involved shooting was reported at 12:42 p.m. at Bullis Road and Orchard Avenue, according to Deputy Tony Moore of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.

"The incident began when the deputy attempted to contact the suspect at the intersection," Moore said. "The suspect assaulted the deputy and fled on foot."

Moore said the suspect, armed with a handgun, ran into the nearby Compton Fashion Center, where the deputy requested backup deputies and told a security officer about the armed suspect inside the shopping center.

"The deputy and security officer proceeded to look for the suspect," Moore said. "They saw him exit the mall through an an exit door located on the east side of the center."

Moore said the suspect fired multiple rounds from his handgun as the deputy and security officer came out of the same door. The deputy and security officer both returned fire.

"The suspect was struck in the upper body," Moore said. "(He) was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition."